Emmanuel Macron said that France and Oman are cooperating to reduce tensions in the Middle East and to take part in mine-clearing operations in the Strait of Hormuz.

In response, Gharibabadi warned France not to make the situation more complicated. He also stressed that, under the Islamabad memorandum of understanding, mine-clearing operations in the Strait of Hormuz are to be carried out only by Iran.

These statements come as the Strait of Hormuz is one of the world’s most sensitive shipping routes, and any uncertainty about its security affects regional developments.